Central Coast Mariners have agreed to terms with Chinese Super League (CSL) team Guangzhou R&F to transfer midfielder Rostyn Griffiths for an undisclosed fee.
Central Coast Mariners have agreed to terms with Chinese Super League (CSL) team Guangzhou R&F to transfer midfielder Rostyn Griffiths for an undisclosed fee.
Griffiths left Australia on Tuesday bound for China where he will undertake a medical, and subsequent to satisfying Guangzhou R&F-s requirements, will join the CSL newcomers for two seasons.
Central Coast Mariners Chairman, Mr Peter Turnbull, said the transfer represented a unique and lucrative opportunity for Griffiths and the club.
“This is a great opportunity for Rostyn – a young player who has blossomed under Graham Arnold – to set himself up for life,” Turnbull said. “It also represented an opportunity for us as a football club to secure a very substantial transfer fee that may not be repeated.”
“Rostyn had previously advised us that he never intended to play for any other Hyundai A-League club, but he was determined to pursue his career overseas. In union with him, we are pleased that we could arrive at an arrangement that benefits both Rostyn and the Central Coast Mariners.
“Central Coast Mariners are a football club that gives young Australian footballers the opportunity to develop themselves and make a career from the game.
“We remain committed to this ethos and in a week that sees Mathew Ryan earn a place in the Qantas Socceroos for a FIFA World Cup Qualifier, as well as our National Youth League team destined to win the league, this philosophy is evident.”
Mariners Head Coach Graham Arnold said that from a purely football perspective it was disappointing to lose Griffiths, but added that the opportunity for player and club was significant.
“It-s fantastic for the player, it-s fantastic for the club but I am disappointed to lose a player of Rostyn-s quality at this time of the season,” he said.
